A long time ago, Red of Hiawatha House asked the question:
Which part of your life surprises you the most and why?
I guess it would have to be Art.
When we initially met through a mutual friend, he must have thought I was an unworldly, naïve, young girl. I was a student at the University of Hawaii. I am five years younger and at the time had only been off the island twice, once to Kauai when I was about 10 years old and then two years before on an Art and Architecture college study trip to Japan. I was fine with not traveling. I'm semi-agoraphobic, I think. Art on the other hand was in the Air Force, been stationed in New Hampshire and California and loved travel and new situations. He'd also gone to Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.
I did not think we would be anything serious, but 5 months later we were engaged.
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But there were some things that made it feel like it was meant to be.
Our birthdays are exactly two weeks apart.
He has one older sister. I have one younger brother.
We both appreciate artwork.
Hmmm... OK, that's it.
There are more differences.
He loves math and figuring things out. I don't. Math was always my weakest subject.
He hates to write. It's something I enjoy.
He likes science fiction. I prefer fantasy, (OK fine... romance) or regular fiction.
He loves traveling. I'm willing to go along, but don't ask me to plan anything.
I love dark chocolate, he doesn't love chocolate. Why? How can that be?
There are more differences than similarities.
However, it surprises me that I've been so lucky. His parents were absolutely the best and I loved them both dearly. He was willing to pull up roots in Illinois after 35 years of living there to return home to Hawaii so we could take care of my mother after my father passed away. He encouraged me to broaden my horizons, go back to teaching and work in Illinois and welcome new experiences. People often thought my brother, Dennis was his brother in the early days and not mine because they did so much together while we lived in Hawaii.
So I guess, yes. That's what surprises me most. I've been awfully lucky.
And you know what else? His sister's name is Kay too. You see? It was meant to be.
You know if you had been totally the same the marriage wouldn't have worked. You complement each other.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! Thanks for sharing that!
ReplyDeleteAttitude towards each other and others is important, and I think you both have that.
ReplyDeleteKay, this was such a kind read. You & Art remind me of a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. One is savory, the other sweet. They're different alright, but still suited for the other. :^)
ReplyDeleteThere is not one question for any of us who have followed your blog that you and Art were meant to be.
ReplyDeleteWow! How cute. You may not have liked traveling, but that seems like a whirlwind romance. Yep, you're both very good for each other. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteYou are a great couple meant for each other.
ReplyDeleteYep, you were meant to be. I have never thought of you two as anything but a delightful couple. Evidently each of your strengths or weaknesses are filled or welcomed by the other.
ReplyDeleteOpposites do attract! My late husband and I definitely had more differences than similarities. It sounds like you bring out the best in each other. You are a stabilizing force and Art pushes you out of your comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteYou and I are the lucky ones! I think that everyday. We both got a good one! I think the world of Art, and of you. Hope Mom is having a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteHis sister being Kay reminds me of my father in law. His first two wives were named Deborah
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine once commented to me that a marriage of love (like the one that I had with my husband) is very rare nowadays. I wonder if that is true. In any case, you and Art are a marvelous couple. What makes it even more special is how you appreciate and support each other. It is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I certainly share quite a few differences. But with time, we have both learned to appreciate the other's differences somewhat. But I look at those differences as a glue that binds us together because we cover a lot of bases with everything we enjoy.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are totally different from one another, but our interests and politics align perfectly! :-)
ReplyDeleteI liked learning more about your relationship. I can relate. I guess my biggest surprise is my marriage to Tom. As a young person I never thought I would have a marriage and a family. i was surprised by love.
ReplyDeleteI think it's your mutual respect I most admire.
ReplyDeleteDifferences can complement each other.
ReplyDeleteInteresting description of your relationship. It's well worth while to stop once in a while and look back on your relationship.
ReplyDeleteThe wonderful thing is ... you're still amazed! (P.S. So am I regarding my own spouse.)
ReplyDeleteJust a short comment here. First of all, DH and I are only 9 days apart in age... and we are probably 'very alike'... however, he may be a bit more 'logical' about things where I'm a bit more 'open-minded'. Our 55th Anniversary is coming up this January.
ReplyDeleteAlso what has surprised me the most in this lifetime... Katrina! Having been born and raised in New Orleans and familiar with hurricanes - the fact that Katrina happened was not surprising, but the broken levees and how the whole catastrophe was handled was unbelievable.
Lin says a real blessing to find your companion to share life's journey with...
ReplyDeleteSometimes things are just meant to be. I know of so many successful marriages that began from a casual meeting. I'm very happy for you and Art. One thing you have in common is the ability to care for another. He is a good man to return to help your mother. We have both shared that it gets a bit more real than what what you can be imagined. Good post.
ReplyDeleteYes, you two were definitely meant to be :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
What an inspiring post, it’s very powerful, Kay. Thank you so much for sharing this. It is very insightful and gives me "something-to-think-about"! Wishing you well, dear friend. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful. You've an amazing family.
ReplyDeleteAsha Nadkarni, India: Loved your post. Art and you complement each other and he brings out the best in you. Looks like you two were meant to be. Like you, I too am lucky to share a beautiful relationship with my husband.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure you will see this since the post is old. I was a regular reader of your blog but my son passed away in June and I've been in a slump since. Sorry to ramble but your post reminded me of him and his girlfriend. They were meant to be and it makes me sad. They are born two days apart in the same year, social security numbers were one digit apart (last digit) and if my son was a girl it would have been the same as his girlfriend's name. They met the summer after the graduated from college on the mainland. They are both from here but met up there. Anyway, love your blog and I'm catching up.
ReplyDeleteThanks for listening (lol reading).
De
Hello De... Oh my gosh... I am so very, very sorry. I can just imagine what you are going through. It's making me tear up just reading this and feeling your pain. Thank you for sharing your beautiful memory with me. I'm sending you a hug and lots of love.
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